Carmel declares local emergency ahead of El Niño season

Carmel-by-the-Sea has declared a local emergency to prepare for what forecasters say could be a historically strong El Niño season.

The declaration, first reported by KSBW, follows Gov. Gavin Newsom's statewide emergency proclamation. San Benito County and the city of Salinas have made similar declarations in recent days.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter. The agency puts the odds of historic-strength conditions during the October-through-December period at 69%.

According to KSBW, the declaration strengthens Carmel's ability to coordinate with the state, could help secure funding and may aid storm preparations along Carmel Beach.

Prep work underway

Acting City Administrator Brandon Swanson said city crews started preparations earlier this fall.

"We can't control the weather, but we can control how ready we are," Swanson said.

The work is visible. Workers are clearing storm drains, inspecting trees, monitoring the beach and bluffs, and staging pumps and generators. Sandbags have been placed at Vista Lobos and Sunset Center. The city is also preparing warming centers.

Carmel is coordinating with Monterey County, Monterey Fire Department, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), volunteer groups and the state.

Two community meetings scheduled

The city has scheduled two public meetings on El Niño preparedness:

Oct. 12, 5 to 7 p.m. — "Carmel Prepares for El Niño" at Carpenter Hall
Oct. 17, 10 to 11 a.m. — "Shaken, Soaked & Prepared" at Sunset Center's Carpenter Hall, covering earthquakes, tsunamis and winter storms. Speakers include Gary Griggs, a distinguished professor of earth and planetary sciences at UC Santa Cruz who specializes in coastal hazards, and Carmel Police Chief Todd Trayer.